Alfredo sauce is a staple in Italian restaurants, and it’s easy to understand why. The creamy sauce has a velvety consistency, and the addition of Parmesan cheese makes it even richer. If you’re craving pasta and Italian food, chances are you’ve had alfredo before. And while it may not be a healthy choice, it’s usually made with healthy, lean ingredients.
So what is in alfredo sauce, and what type of meat should you use in an Alfredo sauce? Find out below.
What is alfredo sauce?
Alfredo sauce is a creamy sauce that typically contains butter, Parmesan cheese, and often chicken broth. Alfredo sauce is typically used for pasta, but it can be used for other dishes as well.
One thing you should know about alfredo sauce is that it varies a lot depending on the restaurant. This is because alfredo sauce is made with a base of cream, and cream varies from restaurant to restaurant.
For example, alfredo sauce from a high-quality restaurant using heavy cream will be different from alfredo sauce from a low-quality restaurant using light cream. The heavy cream will give the sauce a richer, creamier consistency while the light cream will produce a thinner sauce with a lighter consistency.
What meat should you use in an Alfredo sauce?
Chicken – Chicken is the most common meat used in alfredo sauce. It’s also the most common meat used in Italian restaurants. Chicken is a great choice as it’s both high in protein and low in fat. One medium-sized chicken breast contains 26 grams of protein and just 150 calories.
Beef – Beef is also a common meat used in alfredo sauce. It’s usually combined with chicken for an added protein boost. One beef filet contains 15 grams of protein and just 25 calories.
Turkey – Turkey meat is used in a very small amount in alfredo sauce, but it’s becoming more common. Turkey contains more protein than chicken or beef and fewer calories. One medium-sized slice of turkey contains 10 grams of protein and just 25 calories.
Why use meat in an Alfredo sauce?
One of the most common questions people have about alfredo sauce is why you would use meat when there are healthier options, like chicken and/or pasta. The simple answer is that the type of meat used will affect the taste of the sauce.
If you use chicken in an alfredo sauce, it will taste a lot lighter and less rich than if you use meat like ground beef. While chicken is a great lean protein, it won’t have the same rich taste as ground beef.
Another reason many use meat in alfredo sauce is because it adds an extra dimension to the sauce. For example, if you use chicken in an alfredo sauce, it will taste a lot lighter and less rich than if you use meat like ground beef. While chicken is a great lean protein, it won’t have the same rich taste as ground beef.
Some people like to use meat in an Alfredo sauce because it adds a different flavor to the sauce. Another reason is that you may get tired of eating the same foods over and over, and using different meat options in an Alfredo sauce can help you feel more adventurous with dinner.
How to make alfredo sauce at home
Here are three simple steps to make alfredo sauce at home. First, melt butter in a saucepan. Then add your favourite vegetables, herbs, spices, and/or salt. Last, add your choice of meat and stir. That’s it!
Another popular question is how to store homemade alfredo sauce. Vegetables can stay fresh for 3-5 days when stored properly. Herbs, spices, and salt can stay fresh for about 6 months when stored properly. Chili peppers and paprika can stay fresh for a few years. Meat should be stored in the fridge and consumed within a few days.
Tips for making an Alfredo sauce at home
- Use fresh ingredients – Cutting down on processed ingredients will help you feel more satisfied and full while consuming homemade alfredo sauce.
- Add spices – Spices like garlic, onion, basil, and chili peppers not only add an extra dimension to the sauce, but they help preserve ingredients.
- Don’t overcook ingredients – Overcooking vegetables and/or pasta will affect the taste and texture of the sauce.
Use your judgement – Some people enjoy having alfredo sauce that’s much thicker and creamier. You may want to add more milk or heavy cream to suit your taste buds.